Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill
The Ghanaian parliament has passed a bill that criminalizes homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities. The legislation, which includes a duty to report prohibited acts, could lead to imprisonment for those identifying as LGBTQ+. International organizations have condemned the bill, citing concerns for the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ghana.
- ▪The bill criminalizes identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer with penalties of up to three years in prison.
- ▪Religious leaders have pressured President John Dramani Mahama to support the legislation since he took office last year.
- ▪Human Rights Watch has criticized the bill, stating it endangers LGBTQ+ lives and encourages citizens to report one another.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Ghana parliament passes anti-LGBTQ+ bill7 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleHarry SekulichandThomas NaadiReutersReverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Ghanian MP who sponsored the bill, speaks to media after it passed parliament.The parliament in Ghana has approved a new bill criminalising homosexuality and the promotion of LGBTQ+ activities.Identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender or queer can be punished by up to three years' imprisonment. The bill also introduces a "duty to report" prohibited acts to police.Religious leaders have pressured President John Dramani Mahama, who still needs to ratify the legislation, to strengthen anti-gay laws since he came to power last year.The ban has been sharply criticised by international organisations, including Human Rights Watch,…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at BBC News.